Calciolangbeinite is a very rare sulfate mineral found in marine evaporite deposits. Collectors typically look for small, cubic, colorless to pale yellow crystals associated with other potash minerals in salt dome environments.

Hardness
3-3.5
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent

Is this calciolangbeinite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

  • 1
    Test the hardness
    Try to scratch calciolangbeinite with a known reference. Calciolangbeinite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calciolangbeinite leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Calciolangbeinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: equant crystals.

Often confused with

Calciolangbeinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside calciolangbeinite

Minerals reported to co-occur with calciolangbeinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula
K₂Ca₂(SO₄)₃
Mohs hardness
3-3.5
Density
2.81 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Cubic
Crystal habit
Equant Crystals
Cleavage
None
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Evaporite Deposits
Typical price
$50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find calciolangbeinite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Kola Peninsula, Russia
  • Stassfurt, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where calciolangbeinite typically forms. If you start seeing langbeinite, halite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify calciolangbeinite?+
Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.
Where is calciolangbeinite found?+
Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Stassfurt, Germany.
How much is calciolangbeinite worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What rocks look like calciolangbeinite?+
Calciolangbeinite is most often confused with Langbeinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with calciolangbeinite?+
Calciolangbeinite commonly co-occurs with Langbeinite, Halite, Sylvite, Anhydrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does calciolangbeinite form in?+
Calciolangbeinite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is calciolangbeinite used for?+
Calciolangbeinite is used in collector.

Find calciolangbeinite on the map

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